10 Iconic Carrie Fisher Films That Prove She Was More Than Just Princess Leia

Carrie Fisher remains one of Hollywood's most enduring and complex figures, a true icon whose legacy stretches far beyond the twin buns and white robes of Princess Leia Organa. While her career is most famously defined by the *Star Wars* saga, which culminated in a final, posthumous appearance in 2019, her filmography is rich with roles that showcase her sharp wit, dramatic range, and unique ability to deliver biting dialogue. This in-depth look, updated for December 2025, explores the full breadth of her cinematic contributions, highlighting the recent release of her final film and the underrated gems that solidify her status as a generational talent.

The conversation around "Carrie Fisher film" often begins and ends with the galaxy far, far away, yet her work as an actress, screenwriter, and author—often tackling sensitive topics like mental health and addiction with unflinching humor—demonstrates a profound impact on popular culture. From her breakout role in 1975 to her final, long-awaited posthumous release, Fisher consistently chose projects that defied easy categorization, leaving behind a cinematic treasure trove for fans to rediscover.

Carrie Fisher: A Biographical Profile and Filmography Overview

Carrie Frances Fisher led a life as dramatic and captivating as any of her film roles, born into Hollywood royalty and forging a path defined by candor and creativity. Her film career spanned nearly five decades, marked by both blockbuster success and critically acclaimed independent features.

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• Full Name: Carrie Frances Fisher
• Born: October 21, 1956, in Burbank, California, U.S.
• Died: December 27, 2016, in Los Angeles, California, U.S. (at age 60)
• Parents: Debbie Reynolds (Actress/Singer) and Eddie Fisher (Singer)
• Spouse: Paul Simon (Musician; m. 1983–1984)
• Partner: Bryan Lourd (Talent Agent; 1991–1994)
• Child: Billie Catherine Lourd (Actress)
• Education: Attended Central School of Speech and Drama (London) and Sarah Lawrence College (Did not graduate)
• Notable Non-Acting Roles: Bestselling Author (*Postcards from the Edge*, *Wishful Drinking*), Screenwriter, and Mental Health Advocate.

The Star Wars Legacy: Princess Leia Organa

Fisher was just 19 when she was cast as Princess Leia in George Lucas's Star Wars: A New Hope (1977), a role that instantly cemented her place in cinematic history. Leia was not merely a damsel in distress; she was a sharp-witted, commanding military leader and diplomat, a feminist icon who broke the mold of traditional science fiction heroines.

• Star Wars: A New Hope (1977)
• The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
• Return of the Jedi (1983)
• Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
• Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) - Released posthumously.
• Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) - Used unreleased footage from The Force Awakens.

Her final two Star Wars appearances were emotional tributes, particularly her role as General Leia Organa in The Last Jedi, which was released a year after her death.

The Posthumous Release: Carrie Fisher's Final Film, 'Wonderwell' (2023)

The most recent and perhaps most poignant addition to the "Carrie Fisher film" list is Wonderwell, a fantasy film that had been in post-production for seven years before its release in 2023. The delayed release gave the film a unique, almost mythical status as Fisher's final on-screen performance.

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In Wonderwell, Fisher plays the role of Hazel, a kindly witch living in an Italian forest. The movie centers on a 12-year-old girl named Violet who is lured into a mystical, alternate realm, making Fisher's final role a whimsical, fairytale departure from the sci-fi and comedy genres she was known for. While her role was small, her presence in the film served as a final, bittersweet farewell to her fans.

Beyond the Force: Carrie Fisher’s 7 Essential Non-Star Wars Film Roles

To truly appreciate the topical authority of Carrie Fisher’s career, one must look at her diverse body of work outside of the *Star Wars* universe. These roles often utilized her sharp, self-deprecating humor and her ability to play the intelligent, slightly cynical best friend or the jaded observer.

1. Marie in When Harry Met Sally... (1989)

As Marie, Sally Albright’s best friend, Fisher delivered one of the most quotable and relatable performances of her career. Her character's cynical, yet ultimately romantic, view on relationships perfectly complemented Meg Ryan's Sally and Billy Crystal's Harry. Her line, "You know, you’re the first person I’ve ever met who’s actually done that," about a man leaving a relationship for a younger woman, is a masterclass in comedic timing and observational humor.

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2. The Mystery Woman in The Blues Brothers (1980)

Just after becoming famous as Princess Leia, Fisher took on the role of the vengeful ex-fiancée of John Belushi’s Jake Blues. Armed with a machine gun and a furious disposition, her character was a hilarious, high-energy foil in the classic musical comedy, proving her versatility right out of the gate.

3. April in Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)

Working with Woody Allen, Fisher played April, a friend of the main characters who becomes romantically involved with a man who is dating her friend. This role showcased her dramatic chops and her ability to handle the subtle, intellectual dialogue of a Woody Allen film, establishing her as a serious actress beyond the blockbuster realm.

4. Carol Peterson in The 'Burbs (1989)

In this dark comedy directed by Joe Dante, Fisher played Carol Peterson, the fed-up, exasperated wife of Tom Hanks's character. Her performance provided a grounding, comedic anchor to the suburban paranoia and chaos surrounding the main characters, demonstrating her excellent chemistry with major stars.

5. Lorna in Shampoo (1975)

This was Fisher's film debut, where she played Lorna, the precocious daughter of a wealthy man who is having an affair with the main character, played by Warren Beatty. Although a small role, it was a bold start to her career, placing her alongside cinematic legends.

6. Betsy Faye Sharon in Soapdish (1991)

In this satirical comedy about the world of daytime soap operas, Fisher played a ruthless and ambitious network executive. Her performance was a highlight, perfectly capturing the cutthroat nature of show business with her signature dry wit and comedic precision.

7. Bianca Stone in Scream 3 (2000)

Appearing in a cameo, Fisher played Bianca Stone, an archivist who claims she was almost cast as Princess Leia but lost the part to Fisher because she wouldn't sleep with George Lucas. This meta, self-aware moment was a brilliant comedic nod to her own legendary status, perfectly blending her public persona with her acting work.

The Writer and Advocate: Carrie Fisher's Topical Authority

Carrie Fisher’s influence extended far beyond her on-screen roles. She was a prolific and highly respected writer, penning several novels and memoirs that were celebrated for their brutal honesty and humor. Her novel, Postcards from the Edge, was semi-autobiographical and was later adapted into a successful film starring Meryl Streep and Shirley MacLaine, which Fisher herself wrote the screenplay for.

Perhaps her most enduring non-film legacy is her tireless work as a mental health advocate. Fisher was remarkably open about her struggles with bipolar disorder and addiction, using her platform to fight the stigma surrounding mental illness. Her memoirs, including *Wishful Drinking* and *The Princess Diarist*, often detailed her personal battles with a frank, self-deprecating style that resonated with millions. This advocacy work, often discussed in relation to her films, adds significant topical authority to her entire body of work, transforming her from a movie star into a cultural truth-teller.